The minimum legal age for smoking in Singapore will be raised from 20 to 21 from 1 January with retail outlets and vendors preparing for the change, reports Channel News Asia.

Back in 2017, Parliament passed a law to raise the minimum smoking age from 18 to 21 over a period of three years. This includes being able to buy, use, possess, sell or supply any tobacco products.
“It aims to prevent youths from picking up smoking by limiting access to tobacco products, and to further de-normalise smoking particularly for those below 21 of age,” the Ministry of Health said in a press release.
According to Channel News Asia, retailers who fail to comply with the new ban could be faced with fines of up to SGD 5,000 (USD 3783) and could also have their tobacco retail licences suspended. Private individuals who are caught selling or supplying under 21s with tobacco may be fined up to SGD 2,500 (USD 1891) whereas underage smokers themselves could face fines of up to SGD 300 (USD 227) if they are caught.
Retailers and independent vendors across the country say they are ready for the new law and will be informing both their staff and customers of the upcoming change.